Disney Releases Statement Regarding Death of Cast Member at Animal Kingdom

Previously, we told you that Russell Sherry Roscoe, 52, of Webster, Florida, died early Monday of injuries he sustained while working on the Primeval Whirl ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Roscoe was hit by a moving ride vehicle, and suffered what the Orlando Sentinel described as “massive head injuries.”

Yesterday, Disney released the following statement:

“Our Walt Disney World community has experienced a tragic loss,” Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Russ Roscoe’s family and we are working to assist them during this difficult time; our thoughts and our prayers are with them.”

Crofton added, “There is no higher priority than the safety of our cast and our guests, and we will work with authorities to thoroughly review every aspect of this incident.”

Roscoe is the second cast member whose death is associated with this particular ride. In November 2007, Karen Price, 63, was struck and killed by a ride vehicle while working on an elevated rider-loading platform. Disney was fined $21,000 for safety violations in that case. Following Price’s death, Disney installed sensors on the ride to prevent similar accidents from occurring.